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Maui officials seek DNA samples from surviving family to identify remains.

Hawaii Officials Urgently Seek DNA⁤ Samples from Survivors of ‍Devastating Wildfires

In the aftermath ​of the destructive wildfires that ravaged Maui two weeks ago, Hawaii officials ‌are ‍urging surviving residents​ to provide DNA⁤ samples. Approximately⁤ 1,000 people remain unaccounted for, and⁤ the authorities are working tirelessly to identify and ‌locate their ⁢loved ones.

According to the Associated Press, Maui Prosecuting‍ Attorney⁤ Andrew Martin expressed⁣ concern over ⁢the low ‍number of family members who have come forward⁤ to provide ⁢DNA samples. Only 104 families have contributed samples to⁢ the family ​assistance ‍center, ​despite⁣ the FBI’s unconfirmed list of⁣ 1,000 to 1,100 missing individuals‍ in Maui.

Julie French, leading‍ the efforts to identify remains through DNA analysis, emphasized⁣ the importance of locating and identifying the missing loved ones. Martin‌ assured the public that ⁣any DNA samples provided would ​not be used for law enforcement purposes,‍ and individuals would not⁣ be questioned⁣ about their immigration status.

Struggles in Compiling a ​List of ‌the Missing

Police Chief John Pelletier revealed the challenges his team faces in⁤ compiling ⁢an​ accurate list of the missing. Many individuals‌ are only‍ identified by partial​ names, and there are instances ‍of name duplication. Pelletier urged anyone with‍ an unaccounted-for family ‍member to provide DNA samples ⁣and file a report, emphasizing the ‌need‍ for accurate information to aid in the search and ⁣identification process.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Number of⁤ Missing Children

Maui County Mayor ‌Richard Bissen estimated ​that around 850 people, including an unknown number ‍of children, remain missing. ‍However,⁤ authorities have faced criticism for their lack of details regarding the exact number of missing children.⁢ Reporters pressed ⁢Bissen for‌ answers during a⁤ press⁣ conference, but he ‌was unable to provide any⁣ assurance or estimates.

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Bissen’s response to⁤ the reporters’⁣ questions led to further ⁣controversy, ⁢with accusations that ‍he was avoiding addressing the concerns of ​the community.

Other Hawaiian⁣ authorities ‌have ‍also ⁣faced criticism for their response to the ‍wildfires. ​Maui Emergency Management​ Agency Chief Herman⁤ Andaya chose not to activate ⁣the island’s ⁣emergency sirens during the deadly ​fire, citing​ their⁤ typical use ‌for tsunami ⁣warnings. Andaya ⁣resigned shortly after explaining his decision, citing⁢ “health reasons.”

The Hawaii Commission​ on Water Resource⁤ Management was accused‌ of delaying a request‍ for additional water to⁤ fight the fire due to the need for consultation with local farmers. ‌The agency’s⁤ former leader, a “water⁢ equity ​advocate,” was reassigned ‍to a different ‌division ⁤following ⁤the fires.

Hawaiian Electric‍ is under scrutiny for ⁣allegedly ⁢prioritizing the development‌ of ‌its⁣ green energy network over necessary modernization and repairs to the electrical grid. The state attorney general has announced ​a third-party investigation into the response of state and local government ‌agencies to the devastating⁣ fires.



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